Hosting & Insurance
Understanding your insurance responsibilities as a Groundly host
Groundly is a marketplace that connects hosts and guests — we are not an insurance provider and we do not offer coverage for activities that take place on a host's property. As a host, you are responsible for making sure your property carries the right insurance for short-term commercial use.
The three layers of insurance
1. Host property & liability insurance
Your homeowner's policy is the foundation. It typically covers damage to your property and personal liability — but standard residential policies often exclude or limit short-term commercial use. Many providers offer a rider or endorsement that extends coverage to commercial photography, productions, and similar activities.
2. Guest commercial general liability (CGL)
Working photographers, agencies, and production companies typically carry their own Commercial General Liability policy. CGL covers third-party bodily injury and property damage that may occur during a shoot — including damage to the location they're shooting on.
3. Why most working creatives carry CGL
CGL is industry standard. Many commercial clients and agencies require it before hiring a photographer or crew, and any larger studio or venue will ask for proof of coverage. For guests, it's an everyday cost of doing business — for you, it's an additional layer of protection on top of your own policy.
Where Groundly fits in
Groundly provides the structure for these bookings — host approval on every request, secure payments, clear booking terms, and a record of who is on your property and when. We do not provide coverage. The insurance layers above are what protect you, your guest, and your property when something goes wrong.
What to ask your homeowner's insurance provider
Before listing, give your insurance agent a call. A short conversation with these questions will tell you exactly where you stand:
- •“Does my homeowner's policy cover short-term commercial use of my outdoor space?”
- •“If not, can I add a commercial endorsement or rider, and what does it cost?”
- •“Are there any exclusions for events, productions, or commercial photography?”
- •“What is my liability coverage in the event of injury to a guest or their crew?”
Recommended insurance providers
If your homeowner's policy doesn't cover commercial use — or you want extra coverage for a specific booking — these providers offer per-booking event insurance you can purchase on demand. Policies typically start around $75 per booking.
Pricing and coverage vary by location, property type, and booking details. Always review the policy terms before purchase. Groundly is not affiliated with these providers and does not receive compensation for referrals.
Requiring proof of insurance from guests
For larger bookings — generally anything over $1,000, or any booking involving an ad agency or production company — it's reasonable to ask the guest for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before you confirm the booking.
A COI is a one-page document from the guest's insurance carrier showing their active CGL policy, the coverage limits, and the dates of coverage. You can also ask to be listed as an additional insured for the date of the shoot. This is standard practice across the production industry, and any professional guest will be familiar with the request and able to provide it quickly.
Use the Groundly messaging thread on the booking to request the COI before approving. If a guest can't provide one for a booking that warrants it, that's a meaningful signal — feel free to decline.
Ready to list your space?
Join hosts across Connecticut, New York, and the Hamptons earning from professional photo and production bookings.
Start listingQuestions? Email bookgroundly@gmail.com.